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Despite an expected dip in profit, analysts are generally optimistic about Regeneron Pharmaceuticals as it prepares to reports its first-quarter earnings on Thursday, May 8, 2014. The consensus earnings per share estimate is 99 cents per share.

Over the past month, the consensus estimate has jumped from 98 cents, but it's below the estimate of $1.14 from three months ago. Analysts are projecting earnings of $4.38 per share for the fiscal year. Revenue is projected to be $609 million for the quarter, 39% above the year-earlier total of $439.7 million. For the year, revenue is projected to roll in at $2.69 billion.

Over the last four quarters, income rose more than twofold on average year-over-year. The biggest boost came in the first quarter, when income increased more than eightfold from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last four quarters, revenue rose 55% on average year-over-year. The biggest boost came in the first quarter, when revenue increased 90% from the year-ago quarter.

The majority of analysts (54%) rate Regeneron Pharmaceuticals as a buy. This compares favorably to the analyst ratings of nine similar companies, which average 53% buys.

Other companies in the healthcare sector include: Sanofi, AstraZeneca and Amgen.